CSU-Pueblo student arrested in dorm body spray fire

A Colorado State University-Pueblo student was arrested late Sunday on suspicion of arson for allegedly setting fire to a residence hall on campus.

Christian Cunningham

At about 10:30 p.m. on Sunday police were dispatched to Culebra Hall on the CSU-Pueblo campus in reference to a fire alarm, according to an arrest affidavit.

When officers arrived they discovered an alarm was activated and sprinklers were going off ins the residence hall.

Police were able to find out who lived in the room on the second floor from which the smoke originated from. Officers contacted Christian Cunningham, 19, outside of Culebra Hall and they said he explained what happened.

According to the affidavit, Cunningham said he created a fireball by lighting a can of Axe Body Spray and Coleman fuel he had on hand.

The fire would not go out, so Cunningham grabbed a towel to put it out but that then caught on fire as well.

The fire eventually spread to a futon in the room and the fire activated the sprinkler system.

Cunningham then exited the building. He was arrested on suspicion of arson and criminal mischief.

The majority of damage done to the residence hall was water-related from the sprinklers being activated. About 200 students were evacuated from the building for two hours on Sunday night.

A CSU-Pueblo spokesman said 60 students are still waiting to return to the residence hall.

CSU-Pueblo officials are hoping to have everyone back in Culebra Hall by tonight.

Cunningham was released from Pueblo County jail on Monday on $1,000 bond.